In 1995, the American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE) and the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities began the first of many historical restorations projects in Cairo. The sabil-kuttab restoration project, funded by United States Agency for International Development, was a conservation initiative to conserve the contribution of an influential woman in Egyptian history, Lady Nafisa Al-Bayda. The sabil-kuttab was a gift from Lady Nafisa to the people of Cairo and dispensed free drinking water as well as hosted free education classes. The building was closed in the early 20th century and was dilapidated when the restoration projects began. The architectural conservation project, with the assistance of ARCE, was completed in 1998. It was officially dedicated on March 29, 2005 at a ceremony with Egyptian and American officials in attendance. This was the first of many restoration and conservation projects in Cairo headed by ARCE.

Read "Lady Nafisa and her sabil" in Al-Ahram Weekly.